Toyota North America’s Post

🌟 Embracing My True Trans Self: From Theater Stage to the Business Stage 🌟 I wanted to take a moment to share a part of my journey that has shaped me into who I am today. It's a story of resilience, transformation, and the power of authenticity. Growing up as a closeted trans boy was an incredibly challenging experience. The pain of hiding who I truly was and feeling like I didn't belong weighed heavily on my shoulders. But there was one place where I found solace, a place that allowed me to escape the confines of my reality – the theater. The theater became my sanctuary. It provided me with a way to escape, to step into the shoes of different characters, and to momentarily shed the burdens of my own identity. It was a realm where I could be anyone I wanted, where I could explore the depths of my emotions without judgment, and where I could, for a while, be free from the weight of societal expectations. Fast forward to today, and I find myself regularly on a different stage – the business stage, however, this time there is no character. It's me. As my true authentic self. No apologies, no shame. I am incredibly grateful and emotional about being able to embrace my true self in front of thousands of people. My passion for leading and growing Customer Success Teams has become my new spotlight, and I couldn't be prouder. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to BMW Group for inviting me to be one of their key speakers at the 2023 BMW Supplier Diversity Xchange. This opportunity meant the world to me, not only because of the incredible honor it represented but also because it signifies the progress we are making toward diversity and inclusion in the business world. I also want to extend my gratitude to my LinkedIn community for always supporting me on this journey. Your encouragement, wisdom, and shared experiences have been invaluable. Together, we are creating a world where everyone can be their authentic selves and thrive. Let's continue to celebrate diversity. The world is much better for it. With Gratitude, Layton #lgbtq #diversitymatters #lgbtqiaplus #lgbtqpride #lgbtqmentalhealth #lgbtqbusiness #transrightsarehumanrights #transrights #customersuccess

Wishing everyone a happy start to Pride month 😊 🌈👬🏳️🌈 The decision to come out in a work space can be fraught with uncertainty. Concerns about acceptance, potential discrimination, or even career repercussions are common. Many fear that their sexuality might overshadow their professional achievements or alter the dynamics with colleagues. However, it is essential to remember that authenticity fosters a more fulfilling life and can lead to a more inclusive and supportive work culture. When I came out 18 years ago just before entering the workforce, I faced and overcame many challenges that I am grateful are not as prevelant today. Support systems, both within and outside the workplace, are crucial. Allies who advocate for inclusivity and equality, LGBTQ networks, and empathetic leadership can make a significant difference. Policies that promote non-discrimination and equal opportunities are foundational in creating a safe environment where everyone can thrive. I am proud of what I have been able to accomplish in my career, and look forward to the future wherever I land. This mini-break has done wonders for my mental health, and allowed me to focus on what makes me happy and what makes me unique as a leader, a mentor and as a professional in my field. Celebrate responsibly, lift each other up when you can (every community, not just LGBTQ ), and enjoy the ride while it lasts 😀

🏳️🌈 Is "Pride" simply about the English word for pride, or does it carry a deeper meaning? 🌈 Great question! From my research, it appears that Pride encompasses both interpretations. At its core, Pride signifies embracing and celebrating your true self. It's about having confidence in your identity and proudly displaying your uniqueness. Interestingly, some attribute additional significance to Pride, drawing inspiration from the values upheld by institutions like the University of California San Francisco (UCSF). Here, "PRIDE" symbolizes Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Diversity, and Excellence. 🔹 Professionalism: Demonstrating competence, accountability, and collaboration in all interactions. 🔹 Respect: Treating others with kindness and consideration, mirroring the treatment you wish to receive. 🔹 Integrity: Upholding honesty and ethics, always doing what's right and fair. 🔹 Diversity: Valuing and celebrating differences, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. 🔹 Excellence: Striving for dedication, innovation, and support to achieve the best outcomes. (Source: USC Resource Centre) While various LGBTQ organizations have also contributed to the understanding of Pride, I'm inclined to emphasize its fundamental essence: "Being unapologetically you." Let's continue embracing Pride as a celebration of authenticity and self-empowerment! 🌈 #Pride #Authenticity #Inclusion #smitasimplifies pic credit : Stock Cake

**Tim Cook: "Inclusion and Diversity" (2023)** # Theme of the Speech: Inclusion and Diversity# Apple CEO Tim Cook advocates for inclusion and diversity. He has been instrumental in the company's initiatives to advance fairness and equality inside its ranks and across the technology sector. Cook has prioritized diversity and inclusion at Apple because he believes it is proper and necessary for innovation and business success. Unconscious bias training, diverse recruitment, and employee resource groups contributed to his success. Outside of Apple, Cook has advocated for LGBTQ rights and immigration reform. He has raised awareness of these issues and advocated for social change as a business leader. Tech leaders and others have lauded Cook's commitment to diversity and inclusion. He has raised awareness of these issues, leading to significant change at Apple and elsewhere. "Inclusion and diversity are not just buzzwords, they are fundamental values that drive innovation and creativity."

Becoming more #authentic isn’t about finding your one “truest self”. There’s no such thing. It’s developing the #conscious #awareness necessary to choose to create your most alive and positively impactful expression of life. That’s the gift of free will.   From intense bliss, joy, and peace, to raging despair, embarrassment, or anger.   Embracing the wholeness of life. Riding the wave that is ‘everything’. Bridging the practical to the magical.   Connecting the physical experience with the metaphysical universe.    It’s the audacity to embrace that each breath is an opportunity for self-rejection or self-redemption.   It’s the ability to simultaneously own your impact on other people’s feelings while staying unattached to how that one mistake or triumph defines you as an individual.   We are the collective whole of our best and worst moments. We are one.   What if the #purpose of life was never just about what we’ve been through and how it’s shaped us as individuals?   What if it’s always been about our collective shared experiences, as endlessly diverse members of the same human family?   What would be different? Just curious... #humanresources #DEI #lgbtq

🏳️🌈 Inclusion doesn’t have to be a bag of stress and worry; it is all about leaning into the conversation and making our next logical steps, that serve us and are set with the right intentions and values behind them.💫 💛Some of the next logical steps we can take as business owners and community leaders can take under just 10 seconds to do. By gaining awareness and knowledge surrounding LGBTQIA inclusion you start to boost your visibility of being an inclusive business and reaching more people with your services and products.

Grasping the Essence of Competitive Positioning Competitive positioning refers to how your product or service stands in relation to your competitors. It is crucial for effective product marketing as it guides how you distinguish your offerings and communicate with your target audience. Poor positioning can lead to a significant loss of market share, and in extreme cases, it can even result in business failure. Therefore, it's vital to get your competitive positioning right. Consider Lyft as an example. Lyft's product marketers know that all ride-sharing apps have similar features and pricing. So, how does Lyft distinguish itself? By focusing its messaging on social responsibility. Lyft aims at personas who identify with liberal political values, highlighting its support for LGBTQ communities, environmentalism, and other progressive causes. This strategy makes these personas more inclined to choose Lyft over its competitors. #CompetitivePositioning #ProductMarketing #MarketDifferentiation #CustomerEngagement #MarketingStrategy